PSU honors student employees

PSU honors its student employees and names two as the best of the best.

Rebecca Bauman, a senior English major who works as a writer and designer for the Collegio newspaper, was named the 2010 Pittsburg State University Student Employee of the Year. Bauman has also been named Student Employee of the Year for the State of Kansas. At the same time, Travis Stewart, a senior plastics engineering technology major, was named Student Employee of the Year in a new category established for students who work off campus. Stewart was nominated by his employer, Plastic Resource Group, Inc.

Allison Bright, a junior early childhood education major, was named first runner up and Jason Wright, a graduate student in psychology, was named second runner up, both in the on-campus category. Bright works in the Department of Engineering Technology and Wright works in the Office of University Housing.

Rachel Cameron, a senior accounting major, was named first runner up and Hayden Kyser, a graduate student in human resource development was named second runner up, both in the off-campus category. Cameron works at University National Bank and Kyser works at Masonite Corp.

Senior Ashley Hurt, who works at Oakview Estates Assisted Living, was the recipient of the Integrity Award, an honor given in recognition of a student who has gone above and beyond for the benefit of his or her co-workers.

Barb Roberts, a career counselor in the Office of Career Services, which sponsors the annual student employee recognition, said choosing just a few from so many great nominations was a difficult task.

"Each year," Roberts said, "the quality of the nominations seems to get higher. It is amazing to see the kinds of responsibilities that students take on. The nomination letters from supervisors are often very touching. Every one of these nominees is a winner."

PSU President Steve Scott told a packed Crimson and Gold Ballroom that students are critical to the operation of the university. He said their role goes beyond simply getting the work done, however.

"Students are the front line people" who visitors and other prospective students meet, the president said. "In many ways, they carry the culture of the campus. It's not just work to do, it's part of the campus culture."

For more information on the award and winners, contact the Office of Career Services at 620-235-4140.